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They do not call it SPLA-in fact there is no name at all. Microsoft already has a Cloud Solution Provider application, and this change simply allows them to sell subscriptions to Windows that include rights to virtualization. The script has been on the wall for a while now, and we always knew that Microsoft would only do it when it was ready (not when we were ready for it) so the overall feeling is less, "Huzzah!" And more, "It's about damn time!"

Still, this news is huge for vendors who have struggled over the years with different Microsoft licensing policies. First, there were VDA licenses and the expensive problems they introduced. Even though it was corrected by adding a user license to Windows (instead of per device), there was the restriction that Windows desktop operating systems should be on hardware dedicated to a customer. Microsoft facilitated this limitation in the last year or so, so Windows 10 could run in multi-campers for the first time.

Authorization of Windows in multiple rental environments allowed smaller cloud service providers to deliver real Windows desktop operating systems to smaller customers that may not have been large enough to warrant dedicated hardware within the new policy. More importantly, it is also possible to build desktop virtualization environments based on Windows desktop OSes in public cloud providers. The only way you could drive says Windows 10, in the public cloud before, was somehow getting dedicated hardware.

These changes were taken along this recent message, which deals with the last major obstacle that MSPs must clear. Up to now, all DaaS who used a desktop version of Windows involved the customer to bring their own licenses. Although service providers could hold the customer's hand, the licenses fell to them. With this message, service providers enrolled in the Microsoft CSP program may sell Windows 10 licenses as part of their subscription service.

The crash that Microsoft gave in their initial blog posts shows that CSP & # 39; s offer the following licenses:

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 (which is basically Windows 10 Enterprise with built-in Software Assurance) with or without virtualization privileges for the World Championships hosted by Azure or another qualified hosting provider. (I'm unclear how a virtual desktop can be implemented from the cloud without virtualization, but I'm sure there's a reason.)

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 VDA, which is the same as above, but for customers who have access to the Windows World Cup, are without a properly licensed Windows client (for example, all Linux thin clients without Windows- license).

Since this is so new, there is not much more information about. It looks great on paper, but I'd like to visit with a few sources on CSP's when they've had time to sort the options to see how it affects them. The actual change does not enter into force until September 6th, but looks like we are halfway through July, it's closer than it seems.

The most important pickup for now is that Microsoft has taken down the last barrier that prevented service providers from gathering platforms that really matched local development. Over the years, these barriers have meant that service providers dedicated resources to overcome them, instead of building better overall platforms. There could still be gotchas in fine print, and pricing could make your head spin, but technically, service providers never had more flexibility.